Bonnie Amster

1931 - 2019

Bonnie Amster

Phoenix - Bonnie Eileen Amster, born Bonnie Pine in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 16th, 1931, passed on January 12th, 2019.

Bonnie was the eldest daughter of Marion and Alfred Pine, and sister to Elaine and Stanley. Settling a homestead at the corner of Gilbert Road and Guadalupe, generations of Pines were instrumental in the development of Gilbert. Bonnie's contributions to her community were of equal influence. Having a passion for history and education, she was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Desert Club of Mesa, and the local chapter of Philanthropic Educational Organization, to name just a few. As a retired second grade and special needs reading teacher, education was immensely important to her.

After graduating Gilbert high school in 1949 (one of 17 in her graduating class), Bonnie attended the University of Arizona, where she joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She was a diligent student, chaired many a sorority event, and was undoubtedly voted 'most immaculately dressed.' Bonnie completed her last semester at Arizona State College, later becoming ASU, before graduating with a teaching degree in 1953.

Soon after, she married her high school sweetheart, Phillip E. Modesitt. As an Air Force fighter pilot stationed in Okinawa, Bonnie was finally able to join him there in the summer of 1955. After a year in Japan, she and Phil returned to Arizona. Bonnie soon had her hands full with two young boys, and Phil would start his crop dusting business. The family moved to Chandler, where Bonnie taught second grade at Hartford Elementary. In 1967, Phil began working as a commercial pilot for United Airlines and the four set off for Elgin, Illinois. Bonnie continued her passion for teaching in Elgin at Sheridan Elementary. After losing Phil in 1977, Bonnie soon returned to Arizona to be close to family.

Bonnie later found love again with her college sweetheart, Harry Amster. Also an Arizona native from Jerome, and a member in the First Families of Arizona, Harry too was a military man, serving in the U.S. Navy. Harry was then CEO of the family owned Auto Safety House in Phoenix, retiring after selling the business. The two married in 1984. Together, they built their dream home at the base of Camelback Mountain. She and Harry toured the U.S. and Australia with the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, Mesa chapter. They rode 88,000 safe miles together. In every picture next to that motorcycle, she's beaming. She and Harry also enjoyed entertaining family and friends on their houseboat on Lake Powell.

Bonnie taught us a valuable lesson in living life: If you want to see something, learn something, create something, you just do it. Her passion, resilience, determination, and sense of humor is lost on none who knew her.

Bonnie leaves behind her beloved husband, Harry, her sister, Elaine Lamb, her two sons Craig Modesitt (Shelly) and Bruce Modesitt (Lori), Harry's three children, Kirk Amster (Geri), Brian Amster (Georgia), and Carrie Amster, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Bonnie will be honored on Saturday, January 26th at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 N. McDonald, Mesa, AZ. A family viewing service will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by a celebration service at 11:00 a.m.

A luncheon reception will be held at the Mesa Country Club, 660 W. Fairway Dr., Mesa, at 12:00 p.m.

The burial service will take place at Greenwood Cemetery, 719 N. 27th Ave, Phoenix, at 2:00 p.m.

Donations in Bonnie's memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley. 1510 Flower St, Phoenix, AZ, 85014 or www.hov.org.